The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1887-01-29


other. They had the same soft ewes, the
same gentle manners, the same passion to
make every one that came within their
reach as comfortable as circumstances
would permit. To Veronica their slight
feminine figures, dressed in the plainest,
neatest attire, p Id their soft, earessing,
somewhat ld-fashioned manners, harmon
lied wonderfully with their surroundings.
1t was her wont TO boast that she did not
often find it difficult to make herself at
home, but here, at Deep Deane, she felt at
home as soon as she crossed the threshold.
Whether her smart maid, who was TO fol-
low in hired carriage. with the Saratoga
trunks and other effects, would be of the
same mind, 1t was impossible to say.
Veronica did not trouble herself much
about this.
Il have brought my maid she said to
Mrs. Mackenzie, because Uncle Alick
thought it best; but l don't want her in
the least. When she has put my things
straight she can go away for holiday"
ooh. We have plenty of room, answered
the old lady, heartily. This house is
much larger than one would think from
the outside"
They took her up to the airy room,
smelling, as Veronica said, laughing, OF
heather and roses, which had been pre-
pared for her, and brought her down again
to the oak paneled and beamed dining
room, where the General was busy mixing
his particular salad sauce, and connecting
iced lemonade.
Over supper, Mrs. Mackenzie, who was
no less aggrieved than her husband-al-
though not for such deep reasonably the
non arrival of their soldier son. spoke
plaintively of the quietness of the house.
We've p5t great deal to offer in the
way Of amusement 10 one that's accustomed
10 a town life, she said; but there are
neighbors here and there, and not one that S
not neishborly; and my Janet will show
you the way about, and you'll be making
acquaintance all ronnd the country"
"AcquaintaDces!" echoed the General
" eronica has made some already. She
travelled with the Castle Ettrick people to-
day."
@Oh," said Janet looking interested. Il
heard that Mildred and her pretty govern
ness were expected"
And her brother did tell yon about
him?"
Her brother Captain Winstanley?a
She has only one brother that | ever
heard of, !" said the General irritahly. He
was travelling with them day.
Kind Mrs. Mackenzie looked at her nus
band with trimming eyes. Dear, dear
she said. What JOY there viii be in the
Castle this night! Do You mean to say he
was plying Lady Flora from my heart! It's
no such al easy matter, Miss Browne, TO
bid good-by 10 your sons for the first time.
And l suppose We'll See them all soon"
NO later than to- morrow; you may take
my sword for it" said the General. He was
hard at work on a refractory cork, which
accounted for the purple hue of his face.
"How long is it since you have seen Lady
Flora?" he said, turning 10 his daughter.
Now, now, father" said Janet. cheerily;
you must not always harp on the same
string. London is not like the country. 1t
is great number Of worlds rolled mp to-
gether, and the worlds are as far apart as
if seas and chains Of mountains divided
them. I am not at all vexed with Lady
Flora for seeing little Of me in town. l
am sure it cost her an immense effort to see
me at ALL"
General Mackenzie, however, was not to
be Modified, and the following day, which
brought the expected influx of visitors to
Deep Deane, found him in anything but an
amiable frame of mind. He could not for
get that tremendous burst of laughter of
his in the Castle Ettrick grounds. Ii was
well for the peace of the household that
Colonel Lyndon formed enc of the party
from the Castle, for, in the face Of so well
come visitor, it was impossible for him
to preserve his ILL., humor.
While the ladies made one another's &C
oraintance, and Percy told Mrs. Maeken-
kie and Janet how he happened to be at
home, the two old soldiers fell into talk
about oldtimes. Their talk interested We
ronica, and. being accustomed TO speak
and move freely, she crossed over to the
hearth-rug, where they stood.
Il don't want TO interrupt you, she said,
taking a seat in the chimney corner; i on
~ want to listen TO YOU. Do go on tain
ing
She addressed the General, who had Just
pulled up in the middle of long reminis-
oence of camp life in India. Delighted to
find that his stories We're appreciated, he
followed il up in his best style. and then
appealed to Colonel Lyndon to brush up
his recollection. But the Colonel, who had
not seen so much as his elder comrade of
the world Of society, WAS q little abashed,
and declined to remember anything. This
handsome girl with the flashing brown eyes
embarrassed rather than pleased him. No
doubt she was clever, and she was certain
ly good-looking and well dressed; but her
manners We're rather too composed to suit
his taste
After few moments the General, upon
whom had fallen the principal part of the
conversation, proposed that Colonel Lyn-
don should come ont with him and inspect
the stables. Veronica would willingly have
gone ont with them, but several other yis-
itors had IL the meantime dropped in, and
she was bound 10 respond to the many kind
speeches that were being made to her.
There was perfect little shower of invi-
| tatlons. One kind matron was expecting
the boys from Edinburgh-her boys, as
Lady Flora knew, had left school long
time ago-she was giving a little garden
party, lust TO amuse them, you know
would not Miss Browne come? Another
expected visit from talented musician,
and was looking up all the young peo-
pie IN the neiphborEood who had
any knowledge of music to help her il
getting up a concert for the benefit OF
the Deane Valley schools. 1--WE shall rely
upon you. Janet, she said; and when Mrs
Mackenzie protested that her Janet was
nothing extraordinary-th she could inst
sing and play little TO amnse her family
and friends = Miss Browne was requested &c
ask Janet to sing, and to Judge herself OF
what she could do. And we hope you will
| come, too, said the ELUSIVE Scotch lady;
land if you can help us, so much the
better; and if not, there will, at least, be
the change, and young neighbors meeting
and pleasant little supper in the hall &c
| finish the evening with.
All this time Lady Flora, who suspected
| that the feelings of the General toward hel
We're not very amiable, had been unusually
subdued in her manner.
When he left the room, and the other
visitors came in, she felt more at he,
ease.
Up to this she had merely acknowledged
her introduction 10 Veronica. She now
crossed the room to where she was sitting
| aud said, in her prettiest and most gracious
| manner: Il want to thank vou for youl
great kindness 10 my little girl and her
governess Yesterday. Milly was Wild to
come over with rs to- day; but I could not
let her leave Miss Morrison alone, and
We had only room in the carriage for one.
They were in raptures with then journey
SO was !, and | think the gratitude
ought 10 be all on my side" said Veronica.
| "Even to look at SO lovely a girl as Miss
Morrison was privilege. If she were onl,
| dressed as l should wish her. Do YOU
/ know, with a smile, II could scarcel,